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56 pages 1 hour read

Trespasses

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Louise Kennedy

Trespasses

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northern Ireland • 1970s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In the historical novel Trespasses by Louise Kennedy, set in a town near Belfast during the 1970s amidst the violent sectarian conflict known as "the Troubles," young Catholic schoolteacher Cushla Lavery's quiet life is disrupted by a passionate affair with Michael Agnew, a married Protestant barrister who defends IRA suspects, leading her to navigate a complex web of societal expectations, religious divides, and personal desires. The book addresses wartime violence, homicide, and alcohol addiction.

Dark

Mysterious

Emotional

Challenging

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.1

52,308 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Louise Kennedy's Trespasses has garnered praise for its emotive storytelling and complex characters set against the backdrop of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Critics applaud its vivid portrayal of historical and social tensions. However, some found its pacing uneven and character development lacking depth at times. Overall, it's a compelling but occasionally flawed narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Trespasses?

Fans of Trespasses by Louise Kennedy will appreciate intricate character development and richly depicted settings. Ideal for readers who enjoy exploring complex social dynamics and historical tensions, similar to The Troubles by J. Bowyer Bell or The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry.

4.1

52,308 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Cushla Lavery

A caring and witty young woman who works as a school teacher and takes care of her mother. She navigates personal and societal challenges in the backdrop of a divided society.

A sophisticated barrister deeply committed to justice who struggles with inner conflict. He forms a complex romantic relationship with Cushla.

Cushla’s melancholy mother who struggles with alcohol addiction and depression after her husband's death. She occasionally demonstrates nurturing tendencies despite her personal struggles.

Cushla’s cautious and demanding older brother who prioritizes their family’s business and safety. He sometimes acts harshly to maintain their social respectability.

A precocious student of Cushla's who faces discrimination due to his mixed religious background. His kindness and humor bring light to Cushla's life.

A bright and impressionable young man facing hardship due to his family's circumstances. He becomes embroiled in larger societal conflicts.

A perceptive and loyal teacher at the same school as Cushla, he serves as her best friend and confidante. He later becomes more open about his personal life and relationships.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northern Ireland • 1970s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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